Department of Electrical, Computer, and Telecommunications Engineering Technology
MS in Environmental, Health & Safety Management
Overview
A Contemporary Program of Study
Management of environmental, health and safety (EHS) issues has changed significantly in the past twenty years. Although they are distinct disciplines, environmental management, occupational health and workplace safety share many technical, regulatory and organizational characteristics. Faced with pressure to streamline their organizations while improving performance, many companies have chosen to capitalize on synergies among these areas by managing them together. Originally trained in only one discipline, EHS professionals now need to be cross-trained in all three areas. The emergence of voluntary standards and the need for companies to consider how EHS can contribute to, rather than detract from, the bottom line have resulted in a trend to go beyond regulatory compliance and work towards sustainability by implementing EHS management systems that are integrated into key business processes.
RIT's program in environmental, health and safety management utilizes an integrated systems focus to ensure that graduates can:
- Identify and leverage the regulatory, voluntary and business drivers for EHS programs.
- Design and implement effective EHS management systems and programs.
- Design and implement performance measurement processes to verify EHS effectiveness.
- Demonstrate how an effective EHS program adds value to the organization
The program is available online and/or through traditional means. It is primarily designed for early to mid-career EHS professionals, and other professionals planning a career move into the EHS field. However, those with a BS degree who lack EHS work experience, have completed the proper course work and are willing to complete a co-op may also be qualified to complete the program.
The program is designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of:
- Part-time or full-time online learning students.
- Full-time or part-time campus-based students.
- Students from a variety of academic backgrounds.
Students are able to tailor an individual program of study by complementing core courses with professional electives that match their academic needs and career interests. The 48 quarter credit hour program can be completed in as little as 15 months of full-time study, or as little as 2 years of part-time study while working full-time.
RIT's EHS faculty are highly experienced EHS professionals, ensuring that the curriculum is both relevant and practical.
Environmental, Health & Safety Management, MS Degree
Mission
The mission of the Environmental, Health and Safety Management Master of Science Degree program is to prepare traditional and non-traditional local and online students to help organizations move toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future by providing technical EHS knowledge and strategic management systems and tools.
Objectives
- Provide a curriculum that includes environmental, health and safety management strategies and tools.
- Provide a flexible learning environment that allows the program to be completed through online and/or through traditional means.
- Produce students who are prepared to enter and/or further their career in the field of environmental, health and safety management.
Comprehensive Program Description (PDF)
Contacts
Dr. John Morelli, Department Chair
(585) 475-7213, john.morelli@rit.edu
Joseph Rosenbeck, Professor, Graduate Program Director
(585) 475-6469, jmrcem@rit.edu
Sample Full-Time Schedule (Thesis Option)
| Key |
|---|
| (L) - Offered Locally |
| (O) - Offered Online |
| (X) - Offered Online with a 2 day On-site Executive Leader Session |
| Course Number/Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-720 EHS MANAGEMENT (X) | 4 |
| 0102-740 ORG BEH & Leadership (O,L) | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | |
| 0630-740 EHS MGMT SYST DESIGN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-725 EHS ACCT & FIN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-755 RESEARCH METHODS (O,L) | 4 |
| Spring Quarter | |
| 0630-790 EHS INTERNAL AUDITING | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-890 THESIS PLAN (O,L) | 4 |
| Summer Quarter | |
| 0630-888 GRAD COOP (If needed) | 0 |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-760 INTEGRA EHS INTO BUS (O) | 4 |
| 0630-899 GRAD THESIS (O,L) | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Foundation Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0630-711 OCC HEALTH (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-714 IND WASTEWAT MGMT(O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-713 S&HAZ WASTE MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-715 AIR EMISSIONS MGMT(O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-712 OCC SAFETY (O,L) | 4 |
| Sample Elective Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0633 712 FIRE PROTECTION (O) | 4 |
| 0630-765 PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP (O) | 4 |
| 0630-735 RESOURCE REDUCTION (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-780 EHS LAW & REG. (O) | 4 |
| 0633-726 OCC. HEALTH II (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-750 EHS PROJECT MGT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-770 RISK ASSESS MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-710 Sp Topics RI/CA (O,L) | 4 |
Sample Full-Time Schedule (Project Option)
| Key |
|---|
| (L) - Offered Locally |
| (O) - Offered Online |
| (X) - Offered Online with a 2 day On-site Executive Leader Session |
| Course Number/Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-720 EHS MANAGEMENT (X) | 4 |
| 0102-740 ORG BEH & Leadership (O,L) | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | |
| 0630-740 EHS MGMT SYST DESIGN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-725 EHS ACCT & FIN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-755 RESEARCH METHODS (O,L) | 4 |
| Spring Quarter | |
| 0630-790 EHS INTERNAL AUDITING | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-891 GRAD PROJ. or FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Summer Quarter | |
| 0630-888 GRAD COOP (If needed) | 0 |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-760 INTEGRA EHS INTO BUS (O) | 4 |
| 0630-891 GRAD PROJ. or FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Foundation Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0630-711 OCC HEALTH (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-714 IND WASTEWAT MGMT(O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-713 S&HAZ WASTE MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-715 AIR EMISSIONS MGMT(O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-712 OCC SAFETY (O,L) | 4 |
| Sample Elective Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0633 712 FIRE PROTECTION (O) | 4 |
| 0630-765 PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP (O) | 4 |
| 0630-735 RESOURCE REDUCTION (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-780 EHS LAW & REG. (O) | 4 |
| 0633-726 OCC. HEALTH II (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-750 EHS PROJECT MGT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-770 RISK ASSESS MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-710 Sp Topics RI/CA (O,L) | 4 |
Sample Part-Time Schedule (Thesis Option)
| Key |
|---|
| (L) - Offered Locally |
| (O) - Offered Online |
| (X) - Offered Online with a 2 day On-site Executive Leader Session |
| Course Number/Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-720 EHS MANAGEMENT (X) | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | |
| 0630-740 EHS MGMT SYST DESIGN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-755 RESEARCH METHODS (O,L) | 4 |
| Spring Quarter | |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-890 GRAD. THESIS PLAN (O,L) | 4 |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-760 INTEGRA EHS INTO BUS (O) | 4 |
| 0102-740 ORG BEH & LEADRSHIP (O,L) | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | |
| 0630-725 EHS ACCT & FIN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-899 GRAD THESIS or FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Spring Quarter | |
| 0630-790 EHS INTERNAL AUDITING | 4 |
| 0630-899 GRAD THESIS or FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Foundation Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0630-711 OCC HEALTH (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-712 OCC SAFETY (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-713 S&HAZ WASTE MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-714 IND WASTEWAT MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-715 AIR EMISSIONS MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| Sample Elective Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0633 712 FIRE PROTECTION (O) | 4 |
| 0630-765 PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP (O) | 4 |
| 0630-735 RESOURCE REDUCTION (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-780 EHS LAW & REG. (O) | 4 |
| 0633-726 OCC. HEALTH II (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-710 Sp Topics RI/CA (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-750 EHS PROJECT MGT (O, L) | 4 |
| 0630-770 RISK ASSESS MGMT (O) | 4 |
Sample Part-Time Schedule (Project Option)
| Key |
|---|
| (L) - Offered Locally |
| (O) - Offered Online |
| (X) - Offered Online with a 2 day On-site Executive Leader Session |
| Course Number/Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-720 EHS MANAGEMENT (X) | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | |
| 0630-740 EHS MGMT SYST DESIGN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-755 RESEARCH METHODS (O,L) | 4 |
| Spring Quarter | |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall Quarter | |
| 0630-760 INTEGRA EHS INTO BUS (O) | 4 |
| 0102-740 ORG BEH & LEADRSHIP (O,L) | 4 |
| Winter Quarter | |
| 0630-725 EHS ACCT & FIN (O) | 4 |
| 0630-891 GRAD PROJ or FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Spring Quarter | |
| 0630-790 EHS INTERNAL AUDITING | 4 |
| 0630-891 GRAD PROJ or FOUNDATION/ELECTIVE (O,L) | 4 |
| Foundation Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0630-711 OCC HEALTH (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-712 OCC SAFETY (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-713 S&HAZ WASTE MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-714 IND WASTEWAT MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-715 AIR EMISSIONS MGMT (O,L) | 4 |
| Sample Elective Courses | |
|---|---|
| 0633 712 FIRE PROTECTION (O) | 4 |
| 0630-765 PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP (O) | 4 |
| 0630-735 RESOURCE REDUCTION (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-780 EHS LAW & REG. (O) | 4 |
| 0633-726 OCC. HEALTH II (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-710 Sp Topics RI/CA (O,L) | 4 |
| 0630-750 EHS PROJECT MGT (O, L) | 4 |
| 0630-770 RISK ASSESS MGMT (O) | 4 |
Course descriptions
0102-740 Organizational Behavior and Leadership
This is a first course in management. Students will explore models for managing behavior in individuals and teams in organizations. Topics include motivation, team building, conflict resolution, leadership, organizational change, and managing organizational cultures. Teaching techniques include class discussion, case studies, team exercises and team presentations. This course is taught by the College of Business. 4 credits
0630-710 Special Topics: Remedial Investigation & Corrective Action
Delineates and describes the sequence of events required in remedial investigations (RI), feasibility studies and corrective actions at hazardous waste sites. Explains the process flow logistics, concepts and rationale behind each RI action. Investigates the strategies, technologies and methodologies commonly in use for site investigation and characterization and corrective action. Explores current issues of “how clean is clean?” and Superfund liability. Students learn to develop conceptual site characterization plans; effective solicitations for RI proposals; review and evaluate work plans, procedures and operations plans and contingency plans. 4 credits
0630-711 Occupational Health
An intensive foundation course that provides students with an overview of the fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene. Emphasis will be placed on a) the toxicological effects of various industrial substances on the body; b) monitoring and personal sampling for these substances and c) personal protection against such substances. (Prerequisites: Graduate students who have completed Biology (1004212 or 1101201) and Chemistry (1011208 Or 1011211) or by permission of Department. Students who have completed 0630450/451 or 0630610 may not take this course.) 4 credits
0630-712 Occupational Safety
This course is an overview of the safety management tools utilized in today’s industry. Students are expected to have a foundational knowledge of safety management techniques upon completion of this course. Topics examined include recordability and safety indices; incident investigation; guarding; electrical and material handling; welding, fire prevention; excavation; medical surveillance and worker’s compensation; inspection and techniques and auditing; committees; incentives, and voluntary programs. Students will be required to research a leading edge safety topic. (No prerequisites. Open to all graduate students. Students who have completed 0630454 or 0630611 may not take this course.) 4 credits
0630-713 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
An intensive foundation course for students who lack academic preparation or practical experience in solid and hazardous waste management. Introduces principles, strategies, technologies and regulations for reducing, recycling, handling, treating, storing and disposing of solid and hazardous waste. (Permission of department) Students who have completed 0630350 Solid & Hazardous Waste Management may not take this course.) 4 credits
0630-714 Industrial Wastewater Management
An intensive foundation course for students who lack academic preparation or practical experience in wastewater management. Identifies and characterizes the sources of industrial wastewater and examines the related environmental impacts, regulatory implications, and technical and cost considerations of treatment and disposal methodologies. (General chemistry (1011211) or permission of instructor. Open to all graduate students. Students who have completed 0630352 may not take this course.) 4 credits
0630-715 Air Emissions Management
This is an intensive foundation course which will present an overview of industrial air emissions management. The course will teach students how to identify and categorize industrial air pollutants and their sources. Applicable state and federal laws and regulations will be covered. Air emissions reduction strategies will be covered, along with control technologies, testing, monitoring, and reporting requirements. By the end of the course, students will be able develop a comprehensive facility air emissions management plan. (Open to all graduate students. Students who have completed 0630354 may not take this course.) 4 credits
0630-720 Environmental, Health and Safety Management
This course presents an overview of environmental, health and safety management, and providesstudents with an introduction to management systems for EHS operations. Explores the motivations and strategies for environmental, health and safety management, identifies EHS management components, and presents the fundamentals of developing EHS visions and policies. This course includes an Executive Leader session. 4 credits
0630-725 EHS Accounting and Finance
Pollution and accidents impose costs — not just remedial costs, but also time, lost opportunities, longterm liabilities and even company image. These costs are often overlooked by current accounting practices. This course will train students to make good business decisions when all of the EHS costs of economic decisions, as well as the economic costs of EHS decisions, are taken into consideration. The course will focus on decisions made at the company level. Methods will be taught to identify and quantify the full costs of projects and activities. A more accurate approach towards EHS accounting will result in a safer environment and increased competitiveness. 4 credits
0630-735 Resource Reduction
This course will focus on strategies for reducing the use of material, energy and environmental resources. It builds upon courses for controlling air emissions, wastewater and solid and hazardous waste and moves upstream into the production process to reduce or eliminate waste by not producing it in the first place. Students learn how to conduct resource reduction assessments and identify opportunities to reduce or conserve resources. This course will take you beyond end-of-pipe controls and look at lifecycle assessment as an environmental management tool. 4 credits
0630-740 EHS Management Systems Design
This course examines the design and development of environmental, health and safety management systems to implement an organization’s vision, mission and policies. Provides strategies for determining what needs to be measured in order to assess performance and ensure continual improvement. Introduces and develops data management procedures that correspond to organizational data needs for internal control and external information demands. Prerequisites: 0630720 or permission of instructor. 4 credits
0630-750 EHS Project Management
This course focuses on unique factors in environmental, health and safety project management. It covers the nine major areas of project management: integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement. Discusses modern project management techniques, including Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), Critical Path Method (CPM), and various budgeting and resource allocation techniques. Includes an introduction to Microsoft Project for Windows software. Applies project management concepts and software to simulated EHS projects. 4 credits
0630-755 Research Methods for EHS Management
This course prepares students to plan and conduct research using methodologies commonly employed in the environmental, health and safety management disciplines. Included are: literature reviews; case studies; in depth interviews; and quasi-experimental design. Students will be instructed in the requirements that must be met in order to comply with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulations for the protection of human research subjects. This course will also prepare students to identify common approaches to the use of the works of others, and introduce them to associated resources. Students will learn to use the Chicago Manual of Style formats for citing references.
0630-760 Integrating EHS into Business Management
This course examines strategies for integrating EHS systems and processes into business management. Using case studies, the course explores the interrelationships between EHS and total quality management, reporting, financial value, and approaches for sustainable business development. Students will be prepared to select appropriate quality tools to improve EHS processes; identify opportunities, strategies and tools for integrating EHS into business management; and identify best practices in EHS/business integration. Prerequisites: 0630720, or permission of the instructor. 4 credits
0630-765 Product Stewardship
This course examines the principles of product stewardship. The ethical, legal, liability and economic issues which product manufacturers face will be covered. In addition, students will be exposed to the methods used to identify and manage product environmental, health and safety (EHS) in today's world. The concept of sustainability will be covered and students will learn the principles of product life cycle assessment. Students will also learn and use specific EHS analysis techniques. Case studies will also be reviewed and students will complete a group or individual capstone project. This course is open to all graduate engineering technology, packaging, and environmental, health and safety management students or with the permission of the instructor. 4 credits
0630-770 EHS Risk Assessment, Management and Communication
This course presents an overview of risk assessment methodologies and history, along with current practices and developing trends. It takes a close look at strategies for reducing and managing EHS risks, and provides an introduction to the elements of internal and external risk communication. Students will gain skills in evaluating risk assessments and identifying associated strengths and weaknesses with respect to the EHS management needs of their respective organizations. They will be prepared to design and implement risk reduction and management plans for EHS related activities and be able to identify essential risk related elements that need to be communicated internally and externally. Prerequisite: 0630720 and coursework in occupational health, or permission of instructor.
0630-780 EHS Law and Regulation: Interpretation and Negotiation
This course provides a detailed examination of the EHS legal and regulatory framework, with emphasis on developing compliance strategies. Addresses strategies for advocating and negotiating flexible permits, enforcement matters and other legal requirements. Students will be prepared to discern the intent and applicability of EHS laws and regulations, prepare summary documents incorporating legal concerns and concepts, understand different approaches to negotiations, and work effectively with attorneys to achieve desired objectives. Prerequisite: 0630720 or permission of instructor. 4 credits
0630-790 EHS Internal Auditing
This course addresses establishing and maintaining EHS auditing systems to examine how environmental, health and safety aspects are being managed relative to voluntary and regulatory standards. Students will be prepared to design, implement and evaluate auditing programs, and will practice auditing skills. This course includes an on campus executive leader session. Prerequisite: 0630740 and all required foundation courses, or permission of instructor. 4 credits
0630-799 Independent Study
Students will have the opportunity to pursue relevant environmental, health and safety topics related to their work or professional interests at an advanced level. Students will gain added depth and/or specialized skill in a specific EHS area. Note: Students must have completed an approved Independent Study Proposal prior to registering for Independent Study. 1-4 credits
0630-810 Special Topics
This course discusses new and developing EHS topics in selected areas, such as: Workers Compensation, environmental economics, incident management, international environmental management, design for the environment, lifecycle assessment, industrial hygiene monitoring and measurement, regulatory strategy and compliance alternatives. 1-4 credits
0630-888 Graduate EHS Management Coop
Students have the opportunity to gain appropriate work experience and applied knowledge of the profession working in one or more EHS areas. The graduate committee determines whether enrollment for one or more coop quarters will be required. 0 credits
0630-890 Thesis Planning
In this course EHS Management graduate students will rigorously develop their thesis research ideas, conduct literature reviews, prepare bibliographies, identify and plan methodologies, identify deliverables, prepare schedules, become familiar with report formats and the proper use of literary guides, and gain a clear understanding of the expectations of the faculty and the discipline. Each student will be required to prepare a complete committee approved thesis research proposal as the final requirement of this course. (Prerequisites: 0630755 Research Methods) 4 credits
0630-891 Graduate Project
Graduate projects are applied research reflecting the student’s ability to utilize skills to design, develop and/or evaluate an environmental, health and safety related project or management decision. A manuscript suitable for publication in an appropriate journal and an oral presentation are required. (0630755 Research Methods and permission of project advisor) 4 credits
0630-899 Graduate Thesis
The graduate thesis is a formal research document that empirically relates theory with practice. A formal written thesis and oral defense are required. (PreRequisite: 0630890) 1-8 credits
0633-712 Fire Protection
Introduces fundamental concepts in protection of industrial workers and property from fire and explosion. Fire chemistry, control of ignition sources in industry, and properties of combustible materials are discussed. Fire detection and extinguishment are covered along with building construction for fire prevention, life safety, fire codes and related topics. Prerequisite is 0630611 or equivalent. 4 credits
0633-726 Occupational Health II w/ Lab
A lecture/laboratory course, which provides a basic understanding of techniques used in measuring and evaluating the magnitude of health hazards in industry. Laboratory sessions provide experience in air sampling, noise measurements, heat measurement, particle size analysis, chemical analysis and evaluation of industrial ventilation. Prerequisite is 0630610 or equivalent. 4 credits
0633-730 Mechanical & Electrical Controls and Standards
Discussion of OSHA standards relating design and analysis for safety, including electrical circuit controls and mechanical guarding. Particular attention will be paid to OSHA, ANSI and NEC standards as they relate to wood, metal, films and automation. A portion of the course will change regularly to reflect emerging issues in industry. Prerequisite is 0630611 or equivalent. 4 credits